Impact of Extra-curricular Activities on Students’ Academic Performance at Secondary Schools in Samdrup Jongkhar

The purpose of the study was to find out the impact of extracurricular activities on the academic performance of student at secondary schools in Samdrup Jongkhar District. The sample consisted of 471 students from classes (IX-XII) from seven secondary schools in Samdrup Jongkhar. The classes were selected randomly. The study used a mixed method mode approach. The quantitative component comprises of 24 items of 4 Likert scale survey questionnaires categorized under three themes. The qualitative component incorporated students’ perception on the impact of extracurricular activities in academic performance was collected through open-ended questions. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis (means and standard deviation) and inferential t-test was use for analysis of hypothesis. The qualitative raw data was thematically analyzed (transcribed, coded and categorized). The study concluded that that student who participated in extra-curricular activities have positive influence on students’ life with high academic performance, more regular attendance and better self image. It is recommended that the school should give opportunity to students to participate in extracurricular activities irrespective of the level that they study.